Even though the figures used by the paper and the official figures don’t exactly compare – so both could be right – it is possible mums are taking less leave because of economic pressure.

Most mums I know start thinking about going back at around six months, but it does depend on their workplace, availability of care and the health of the child. Many of us use lots of holiday leave and any long service leave with our first baby and if you go back part time, there isn’t much of either left for subsequent babies. So back to work we go.